Lina Mikuzyte Puppy Mills

Certificate of Authenticity No. LM-2025-OIL-002

Oil on canvas

115 x 75 cm

2025

This painting depicts the sinister side of puppy mills, where living beings are treated as a business — mere tools for profit.

Lina Mikuzyte Shelter dog

Certificate of Authenticity No. LM-2025-OIL-003

Oil on canvas

40 x 30 cm

2025

Dog shelters are a deeply rooted problem in Lithuania, stemming from society’s questionable perception of animals.

Our constitution and political system regard animals as property, resulting in little (if any) respect for them as living beings.

This perspective has led to the proliferation of shelters across Lithuania, as there are no strict rules, regulations, or inspections required to operate one.

Lina Mikuzyte Shelter dog

Certificate of Authenticity No. LM-2025-OIL-004

Oil on canvas

40 x 30 cm

2025

Anyone can open a shelter as easily as a shoe store, which allows irresponsible (and sometimes truly malicious) individuals to exploit animals as a means of making money by taking advantage of good-hearted people.

Lina Mikuzyte Shelter dog

Certificate of Authenticity No. LM-2025-OIL-005

Oil on canvas

40 x 30 cm

2025

Shelter conditions often fail to meet even minimal hygiene standards, constantly asking to donate money for urgent medicine, equipment or even food. These shelters rely on volunteers, which means animals are deprived of adequate attention and basic care.

Many animals that end up in shelters also spend the rest of their lives there, largely due to poor appearance and declining health caused by inadequate shelter conditions. Prolonged confinement leads many dogs to lose their ability to socialize, becoming depressed and anxious. This often results in behaviors such as excessive barking or inappropriate urination, as long-term cage confinement disrupts their natural instincts. Consequently, many are also returned repeatedly by impatient and irresponsible adopters.

Lina Mikuzyte Shelter dog

Certificate of Authenticity No. LM-2025-OIL-006

Oil on canvas

40 x 30 cm

2025

Volunteers attempt to “sell” the dogs by creating appealing photographs to help them stand out among hundreds listed on shelter websites. As a result, many adopters choose based solely on appearance.

Lina Mikuzyte Shelter dog

Certificate of Authenticity No. LM-2025-OIL-007

Oil on canvas

40 x 30 cm

2025

Puppies are the most sought-after by adopters, yet they are often returned after some time when owners realize they lack the time or commitment to care for them properly. As a result, many dogs are left traumatized and develop lasting mistrust toward humans as reliable caregiver.

Lina Mikuzyte Saved from shelter

Certificate of Authenticity No. LM-2025-OIL-008

Oil on canvas

40 x 30 cm

2025

I saved a senior dog from one of the most dreadful shelters in Vilnius region, run by a questionable owner known for unethical practices. My dog had endured prolonged confinement in a cage, which led to severe muscle loss and the development of chronic health conditions.